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      I helped guide my team from fourth tier to the top division.. but highlight was falling in love with and marrying MASCOT

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      MARKUS KRoSCHE was named in SC Paderborn’s Team of the Century – and he even married the club MASCOT.The Eintracht Frankfurt CEO, 44, is one of European football’s rising stars in the boardroom.Markus Krosche, sporting director of Eintracht Frankfurt, met his wife Viktoria when she was a mascotCredit: GettyViktoria donned the costume for Holli the Mouse at Paderborn games in the early 2000sCredit: GettyKrosche started his football journey in more modest surroundings, signing his first pro papers with Werder Bremen aged 15.He would go on to spend the majority of his career with Paderborn, where he became a club legend. As a tough-tackling midfielder, Krosche helped lift the club from the fourth tier all the way to the Bundesliga.Krösche played almost 400 games for Paderborn and skippered the side in the top-flight. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it was the club’s mascot – mouse Holli – that had a lasting effect on the former German under-21 international. Speaking to BILD, Krosche revealed: “My [now] wife worked for an agency that marketed the mascot. “She worked there alongside her studies and accompanied Holli to appointments as a photographer, among other things. “That’s how we met.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKrosche confirmed that his wife Viktoria would also help out as Holli on some match days.He added with a laugh: “It’s true, yes. That’s our story.”Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebrationThe pair now have two teenage daughters – Maya and Clara – with the family still living in Paderborn. Krosche worked as a sporting director at RB Leipzig before landing his current role with Frankfurt.The club have enjoyed success in recent seasons, winning the Europa League in 2022 and finishing 6th in the Bundesliga last term.Krosche admits he was fortunate to enjoy such a stunning career – as he lacked “outstanding skills.”He added: “I wouldn’t sign me at all because I didn’t have any outstanding skills. “No good technique, no outstanding header, I wasn’t particularly fast. “I would definitely fail our scouting team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[Frankfurt Director] Charly Korbel once told me that he wanted to sign me to Eintracht in the mid-2000s. “The manager at the time turned me down – I would have done the same!” More

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      Lucas Paqueta facing weeks out with ankle injury that could see him miss four crucial West Ham clashes

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      LUCAS PAQUETA is facing up to a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.The West Ham midfielder, 27, limped out of training at the London Stadium on Tuesday as Graham Potter’s side prepare to face Arsenal this weekend.Crocked Hammer Lucas Paqueta could miss four Prem gamesCredit: RexGraham Potter’s West Ham squad has been plagued by injuriesCredit: GettyPaqueta had only just returned from a groin injury which saw him miss the Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea.The Brazilian was assessed on Wednesday by club medics and is facing three to four weeks out.That could see Paqueta miss the next four West Ham games, with Potter’s side facing Arsenal, Leicester, Newcastle and Everton before mid-March.Paqueta started up front against Brentford, with new man Evan Ferguson on the bench as he continues to recover from his own ankle injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPotter is having to deal with an ever-growing injury list.The ex-Chelsea boss has only been able to play Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus together once since replacing Julen Lopetegui last month.Bowen has returned from a broken foot, but Michail Antonio will not play again this season.Meanwhile, summer signings Crysensio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVladimir Coufal also missed Saturday’s defeat to Brentford through injury.Antonio has been working on his recovery from his horror car crash in December, with a training camp in Dubai last week.Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer The plague of fitness issues has sparked talk of the Hammers showing interest in Tammy Abraham.The ex-Chelsea forward, 27, is on loan at AC Milan from Roma.But it’s reckoned the 11-cap Englishman would ultimately prefer a return to the Prem.And a permanent summer switch back to Britain could be on the cards. More

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      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s £61million private jet that boasts 4K HD TVs, leather seats and a Rolls-Royce engine

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      WHEN you’re a high flyer like Cristiano Ronaldo, you need a private jet to support your lifestyle.The Portugal legend, 40, added the flashy Bombardier Global Express 6500 to his list of means of transport last year.Cristiano Ronaldo has a new jet worth £61mCredit: Instagram @cristianoThe personalised jet is currently awaiting repairs at Manchester AirportCredit: X @manairportThe Bombardier Global Express 6500 is the height of luxury when it comes to private jetsCredit: bombardierAnd the super plane would have cost him a pretty penny – with his customised version costing around £61million.It recently touched down at Manchester Airport, although reasons are unclear.However, it won’t be leaving our shores any time soon – with reports that engineers spotted a cracked window, which will need to be fixed.That’ll be a blow to Ronaldo, missus Georgina Rodriguez, and their brood – who will have to make-do without their preferred transport for travel.Most read in FootballA glance at their social media shows they are often on board the incredible jet.SunSport takes a look inside, while telling you about its incredible features.A jet like no otherThe first thing that stands out about Ronaldo’s sensational jet is you can use for long haul.Astonishingly, it can fly for more than 18 hours without having to refuel.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s able to provide an impressive range of 6,600 miles, so you can fly to Hong Kong to London non-stop.Or, in this case, from Riyadh to Manchester which is around 2,800 miles.Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOATPowered by a Rolls-Royce engine, it reaches up to speeds of Mach 0.90.The Global Express 6500 is a smooth ride – thanks to the patented Smooth Flex Wing, which works as an in-shock absorber to help contain turbulence.ComfortRonaldo’s jet has several suites passengers can take advantage of.The entrance and crew suite features a luxurious kitchen equipped with an oven, microwave, and even an espresso/coffee machine.,The communal bathroom features a large mirror, vanity, sink and faucet.So Ronaldo and Georgina don’t get any creases in their clothes, they have a spacious wardrobe for their personal items.Separate from the crew suite is the conference suite, that has a height adjustable table, as well as a dresser.A fully equipped kitchen features an oven and microwaveCredit: bombardierthe private suite allows VIPS to relax in styleCredit: bombardierGeorgina Rodriguez poses in a private suite of a jet with her luggageCredit: georginagio/InstagramBathroom are plush on board the Global Express 6500Credit: bombardierThe patented Nuage zero-gravity seats offer ultimate comfortread more sport featuresThe private suite has patented Nuage zero-gravity seats that allow Ronaldo and his Wag the opportunity to sit back and relax for their flight.While there’s a separate en-suite that has another fully-equipped bathroom, large wardrobe and a separate baggage compartment.EntertainmentFor those long journeys, in-flight entertainment is a must – and luckily for Ronaldo and his family the Global Express 6500 is well-covered in that respect.First, there’s 4K UKHD TV’s to marvel over if you want to watch some movies.High-speed internet is a given, while there is wireless music streaming capability throughout the cabin.READ MORE SUN STORIESA conference room allows for fine dining on boardCredit: bombardier4K HD TV’s decorate the private jetCredit: bombardierGeorgina Rodriguez has everything she needs onboard to stay entertainedCredit: Instagram @cristianoShould your electronics be light on battery, there’s wireless charging ports too.There will be nothing to bore the Ronaldo clan on this one. More

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      ‘God was inspired by your beauty’ say fans as TNT Sports presenter steals show in low-cut dress for Champions League

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      A CHAMPIONS League host has distracted fans from the on-field drama – with her outrageous outfit. Miroslava Montemayor, 35, won hearts during TNT’s coverage of the tournament in Mexico. Miroslava Montemayor has wowed fans in Mexico with her on-screen outfitCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontThe former pageant queen is a big celebrity in South AmericaCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontShe has spent the last ten years as a sports presenterCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontMiroslava joined ESPN over a decade ago before heading to TNT in 2019Credit: Instagram @miroslavamontThe presenter was front and centre for a night of high drama across the European competition. Celtic almost knocked out Bayern Munich, Club Brugge stunned Atalanta and Benfica drew 3-3 with Monaco. Montemayor was on hand to bring TNT viewers in Mexico all the goals as they happened.And she turned heads with her sultry choice of on-air attire, rocking a stunning blue outfit for the cameras. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDebuting the look to her 394,000 Instagram followers, one fan gasped: “What a stunner.”Another said: “Distracted me during the postgame.”While a third added: “When God invented beauty he was inspired by you.”Miroslava, 35, is a former Mexican beauty pageant titleholder.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe represented her country at Miss International 2013 in Japan and began her foray into TV over a decade ago. After leaving modelling behind, she headed into the world of sports broadcasting. AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question Miroslava began her TV career on Azteca Noreste sports show ADN.She joined up with ESPN in 2015, fronting a number of their Spanish-language shows. The presenter turns her hand to everything from American football to tennis. Miroslava left ESPN in 2019 to join TNT, where she has since fronted the Champions League coverage in Mexico. Later that year she married Jorge Alberto Hank, owner of Mexican football club Tijuana.The stunning host has almost 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontShe has worked World Cups, Super Bowls and tennis majors in her careerCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontMiroslava began her career as a beauty queenCredit: Instagram @miroslavamont More

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      Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘in talks to CANCEL Tottenham sponsorship two years early’ in fresh wave of cutbacks

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S Ineos are in talks to cancel their Tottenham sponsorship two years early.Spurs have a multi-million pound, five-year deal with the petrochemical company that sees their dugout seats bear the Ineos name.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could cut short Ineos’ Tottenham dealCredit: GettyThe deal secures the Ineos Grenadier as Spurs’ ‘official 4×4 vehicle partner’Credit: AlamyTh deal was signed in December 2022 to promote the Ineos Grenadier car.It is Tottenham’s “official 4×4 vehicle partner” but it seems that link could be approaching an end.Ineos are in discussions with the club over withdrawing from the agreement two years before it expires, report The Telegraph.It comes amid a strew of cuts at Manchester United overseen by Ratcliffe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands the club is set to axe up to 200 more staff in his latest cost-cutting move.All departments are at risk of seeing their numbers slashed.A source exclusively told The Sun: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes who contribute to any club’s success.”Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes after Ratcliffe made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant in July.Ratcliffe is reportedly concerned the club could go bust unless radical cuts are made.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis United lost £300m over the past three years – but the United co-owner is confident he can turn things around in two seasons.Insiders told the outlet United would have “run out of cash” had Ratcliffe not injected £240m last year.And Ratcliffe is prepared to keep going with his cost-cutting – despite knowing it is hugely unpopular with fans.Almost every United player could be up for sale this summer at Old Trafford. More

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      ‘Deeply disrespectful’ – Lookman releases statement after own manager called him ‘one of worst penalty takers ever’

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him “deeply disrespectful” after his manager slammed his missed penalty.The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.Ademola Lookman missed a spot kick last nightCredit: AFPSimon Mignolet saved Lookman’s penaltyCredit: AFPAtalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was unimpressed with the wingerCredit: RexThe Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side’s deficit from the penalty spot.The Nigeria international’s spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Lookman has since hit back at criticism directed his way.In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.”Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result.Scottish fan is only away supporter to turn up to cheer on Atalanta against Napoli”During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so.”Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which l’ll continue to do.”Lookman’s botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta’LOST HIS HEAD’In the closing stages of last night’s match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi “lost his head”.As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.READ MORE SUN STORIESGasperini, 67, added of the incident: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”Rafael Toloi bundled over an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTS More

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      ‘Toughest period of my career’ – Arsenal blow as Tomiyasu faces missing rest of 2025 after playing 6 minutes this season

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      TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU is battling to play again in 2025 as his Arsenal injury hell continues, admitting: “It has been the toughest period of my career.”The Japanese defender has been ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery this week in the hope of finally correcting an issue that has troubled him since last summer.Takehiro Tomiyasu has suffered with a knee injuryCredit: Instagram @tomiyasu.tTomiyasu has made just one appearance this seasonCredit: GettyAnd it leaves Gunners boss Mikel Arteta with yet another body in the medical room, following blows to the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.After an initial procedure in August during pre-season, Tomiyasu, 26, completed his rehab and made a six-minute Prem cameo off the bench against Southampton in October.But he has failed to make a single appearance since, his last start coming on the final day of last season in a 2-1 victory over Everton on May 19, in which he scored and played the whole game.With Arsenal confirming in a statement the player’s current rehab programme is “expected to be completed towards the end of this year”, it could now be over 12 months between his next appearance and his last.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club believe this is the best approach to take with Tomiyasu, opting to prioritise his long-term health and fitness over rushing him back this term.In an Instagram post, Tomiyasu said: “I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again.“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”Since Tomiyasu signed from Bologna for around £16m in August 2021, he has made just 50 starts in all competitions, and just 17 Prem starts since the 2022/23 campaign.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has suffered SEVEN separate injuries in that time to his calf and knee.Despite this, the versatile full-back has always been highly valued by Arteta, with his contract expiring in June 2026 with the option to extend by a further 12 months.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfHowever, there was previously talk of Tomiyasu being sold this summer to raise funds, especially with the rise of full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, but those plans will have to be shelved for now.It was a similar story with Jesus. The Brazilian striker ruptured his ACL last month and is fighting to play again before 2026. His future in North London was also being considered before the injury.Tomiyasu is the FIFTH Arsenal play to go under the knife this term. Right back Ben White – who is now back fit – had a minor knee operation in November.Alongside Jesus’ procedure, Saka had hamstring surgery in December and is racing to be back before the end of March. Havertz also required hamstring surgery last week and is out for the season.Fortunately for Arteta, he has options at full-back with White, Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney to choose from.Tomiyasu has been forced to watch from the sidelines this termCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He’s a cultural architect’ – Chelsea make surprise hire of rugby league legend to help turn flailing season around

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      CHELSEA have made a surprise hire by naming Willie Isa in a player support role.The rugby league legend has been recruited from the Wigan Warriors.Willie Isa has started working at ChelseaCredit: GettyMatt Peet has backed Isa to make an impact at the clubCredit: GettyIsa, 36, retired from playing in January after winning four major trophies with the Warriors in 2024. During his career, he also impressed at Australian sides Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.It was when he moved to England in 2011 he enjoyed a trophy filled decade which included two club world championships.Isa has been baked to make a positive impact at the club by Warriors head coach Matt Peet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told The Athletic: “I don’t expect the supporters to ever physically see the impact he has at Chelsea.”But he is a cultural architect.”He will make the environment better and all the individuals around the environment better.”Ignore the different shape of the ball that he is associated with, Willie’s skill set is all about high-performing teams, leadership and dealing with people.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at Wigan and in rugby league understands why Chelsea have made this move.”It’s intelligent.”‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistakeMARESC IS HISTORYENZO MARESCA is struggling again in the second half of the season – as he did at Leicester last term, despite their promotion…LEICESTER 2023-24 (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 25 Wins 21 Win rate 84%After Christmas – Games 27 Wins 15 Win rate 56%CHELSEA 2024-25 (All comps so far)Before Christmas – Games 27 Wins 18 Win rate 67%After Christmas – Games 10, Wins 3 Win rate 30%TOTAL (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 52 Wins 39 Win rate 75%After Christmas – Games 37 Wins 18 Win rate 49%Chelsea fans will be hoping that Isa has an immediate impact on Enzo Maresca’s squad.The Blues have dropped off in recent weeks, with only two Premier League wins in their last five games.This run of form has seen the club fall away in the race for the top four just two months after they were being considered as title challengers.The downturn has seen Maresca come underfire from some Chelsea legends.Former defender Frank Leboeuf took aim at the club after the defeat to Brighton as he criticised the lack of fight from the players. He said: “I saw a team that gave up after the second goal. We didn’t want to fight and didn’t know what to do.“That was so bad and so unprofessional.”William Gallas even hit out at the start of the season to claim there was not enough quality in the team.He said: “I’m looking at this squad of players and I don’t see nearly enough quality.“There is no way they’d get into the best Chelsea teams – half wouldn’t even get on the bench.“They aren’t good enough to win a title, which should always be the aim of a club like Chelsea.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Are they good enough to quality for the Champions League? I have serious doubts.“I don’t recognise this version of Chelsea anymore.” More